The newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has wasted no time in stamping his authority, releasing a 35-man provisional squad for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Chelle’s selection signals a balance of experience and fresh faces, with familiar names like captain Ahmed Musa, vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, and midfielder Joe Aribo returning to the fold. Notably, the squad also includes six new players, emphasizing the coach’s intent to blend proven talent with emerging stars.

Among the fresh call-ups are home-based players Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers), reflecting Chelle’s willingness to give local talents a shot on the international stage.

The Super Eagles are set for two high-stakes encounters—an away fixture against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe on March 25.

A Bold Squad with a Few Surprises

Chelle’s first selection offers insight into his vision for the team. The return of Ahmed Musa will undoubtedly spark debates among fans, given his limited club football action. However, his leadership and experience remain valuable assets.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of talented newcomers suggests that Chelle is keeping an eye on the future while ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the present. The Super Eagles have struggled in recent qualifiers, failing to register a win in their last four games, so injecting fresh energy could be exactly what they need.

Key Areas to Watch

Attack: With Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Kelechi Iheanacho leading the frontline, Nigeria boasts firepower. However, converting chances has been an issue in past games, making this a crucial area to improve.
Midfield: The presence of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika ensures stability, but creativity remains a concern. Can the team finally unlock defenses with more precision?
Defense & Goalkeeping: The return of Troost-Ekong adds experience to the backline, but the goalkeeping department will be under scrutiny, especially after past inconsistencies.

Can Chelle Deliver?

With Nigeria desperate to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track, the pressure is on Eric Chelle to deliver instant results. The Super Eagles have the talent, but do they have the tactical discipline and winning mentality?

As the countdown begins to these must-win fixtures, one thing is clear—Chelle’s era is officially underway, and fans will be eager to see if he can lead Nigeria to success.

Super Eagles faithful, what do you think of this squad? Will Chelle be the game-changer we’ve been waiting for? 🦅⚽🔥